Assemblyman William Colton (D-Brooklyn) is announcing the creation of an enhanced New York State driver’s license for all veterans. Starting next year, all veterans will have the option to have a notation placed on their license or I.D. card indicating their veteran status. The piece of legislation creating this new option for veterans was co-sponsored by Assemblyman Colton and recently signed into law by Governor Cuomo. Veterans will not have to pay an extra fee for the notation. The new law will take effect next fall.

The purpose of this legislation is to assist veterans in easily providing proof of service when applying for employment opportunities and to receive certain benefits or discounts from businesses. Instead of the hassle of keeping track of numerous service paperwork or waiting years for lost documents/medals due to Hurricane Sandy to be re-issued, veterans will be able to rely on the new state card as a one-stop shop for proof. Once verified, the new card will clearly have stated on it “U.S. Veteran,” to provide some convenience to veterans that reside in New York.

The signing of this legislation also comes on the heels of Assemblyman Colton’s support for the creation of a Veterans’ Jobs Portal on the Division of Veterans’ Affairs website, which aims to help connect unemployed veterans to job opportunities in the state, and his “Veterans’ Appreciation Night”, which was held at the United Progressive Democratic Club and honored local heroes returning to the states from Iraq. The event was organized and emceed by Club President Mark Treyger.

“Each year I look forward to supporting additional veterans’ legislation which builds on the successes of the previous year. While this law is a relatively small gesture compared to the sacrifices made by our brave men and women, it will definitely help veterans to easily obtain benefits and discounts offered by local businesses,” Assemblyman Colton said.

“Whatever our government can do to make the lives of our heroes easier is worth fighting for and getting done. I applaud Assemblyman Colton and his colleagues for making this happen,” stated supporter of the new law and UPDC President Mark Treyger.